Favourite cars from the New York International Auto Show 2019

Time to pick some of our personal favourite brand new cars and world premieres from the stands of Geneva Motor Show 2019.

The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is to America what the Geneva International Motor Show is to Europe. Like the latter, NYIAS is among the oldest surviving car show on the planet. It also serves as a platform for car brands to showcase their latest model for the American market.

This year's NYIAS marks the 119th anniversary of the auto show, so we picked some of our personal favourites from the show.

• Cadillac CT5

Photo: Cadillac

Remember CADILLAC's mid-size CTS and compact-size ATS? Say hello to their single replacement, the CT5. First things first, this car is an absolute stunner! This is among the cars that look good from any angle you see, it is that gorgeous. Three trim levels will be available depending on your approach to either luxury space or sporty drive. Only two engine options are available at the moment between the turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 and the twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6, with both engines mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Only time will tell if there will be a hotted-up CT5-V.

• Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package (HPP)

The FORD Mustang always has been a true staple in the muscle car scene, but not everyone is interested in the 5.0L V8 monster. Perhaps then, it is not surprising to see the introduction of a smaller 2.3L EcoBoost engine, mainly for people who want the V8 grunt without a big engine. Now, things got better for them as Ford has announced High Performance Package (HPP) trim. An extra US$4,995 will give you an uprated engine with an extra 20 bhp on tap alongside reworked suspension, springs and antiroll bars. You also get a Mustang GT-style sticky 255/40 19-inch Pirelli summer tires alongside aero bits like a larger front splitter and rear lip spoiler.

• KIA Stinger GTS

Photo: KIA

Always loved KIA's alternative to Audi S4 and BMW 340i, but felt a bit underpowered? Don't worry as KIA have a solution to that problem with the Stinger GTS. KIA's very own sports saloon now comes with Drift Mode. KIA had re-engineered the AWD drivetrain so that it can be completely RWD, just like BMW F90 M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63S. Engine-wise, it remains exactly the same as the standard Stinger. Unlike the standard model, you got that "look-at-me" bright orange paint finish and real carbon fibre parts. The updated D-AWD Stinger will cost you US$46,500, and you better be fast if you want one - the Stinger GTS is a limited-unit production run.

• Mercedes-Benz A35 AMG Sedan / CLA45 AMG 4Matic

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

The MERCEDES-BENZ A35 AMG hatchback is not new since it was launched last year at Paris Motor Show. However, it wasn't destined for launch in the American market until now. While the hatchback version isn't coming to the shore, the Sedan version did. Like the hatchback, you got a 2.0L inline-4 engine that develops 302 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. Power is split through all four wheels and an AMG Speedshift 7G dual-clutch gearbox. The result is 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

Also joining the A35 Sedan world debut is the CLA35 AMG 4Matic. Both of them are identical in every way, except for the body styling. To an untrained eye, it is difficult to notice that sloping coupe-esque roof on the CLA35. Prices are yet to be finalized but expect them to be cheaper than their A45/CLA45 counterparts.

• NISMO GT-R R35 / Nissan 50th Anniversary Edition (GT-R R35 / 370Z)

Photo: Nissan

Photo: Nissan

Believe it or not, the NISSAN GT-R R35 is already a decade old. Loads of new trims, facelifts and improvements have been made to keep it fresh, up-to-date and remains competitive. For 2020, Nissan had unveiled the updated version of their lightened and more powerful GT-R NISMO alongside a special 50th Anniversary Edition trim. For the former, Nissan had bolted a new turbocharger straight out from their GT3 race car. Other than that, there's new RAYS 20-inch wheels, GT3-inspired fenders, carbon-ceramic brakes and re-tuned suspension. As for the latter, you get three colour options for the body with special 50th Anniversary strips, badging and wheels.

The 50th Anniversary Edition also extends to the 370Z. No words on mechanical upgrade, but you can choose between two two-tone colour options of either White/Red or Silver/Black. Each combo includes special BRE-style accent stripes, side decals with 50th Anniversary badging and red stripes on the wheel. At the moment, pricing is yet to be known.

• Porsche 911 (991) Speedster

The finalized production version of the PORSCHE 911 (991) Speedster is finally making its debut in North America. First seen during 2018 Paris Motor Show as a concept, the Speedster is basically a GT3 chassis and engine wrapped around the body shell of the Carrera 4 Cabriolet. It was powered by the same naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-6 engine as in the GT3 and the GT3 RS. It produces 503 bhp and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Don't expect a dual-clutch PDK option for this model.

The signature of the Speedster is styling. Although it was based on the Carrera 4 Cabriolet as mentioned earlier, it sported the signature "hump" shaped double-bubble roof. Apart from that, it has a shorter windshield frame, side window glass and analogue roof folding mechanism. Production is limited to just 1,948 units, in honour of the very first year the Porsche 356 was launched, and it will cost an eye-watering US$275,750. What a splendid send-off to mark an end of a generation.

What are your personal favourite world premieres? Let us know in the comment section down below.